School for Leadership Training

What a week! School for Leadership Training 2010 wrapped up just yesterday (1/21) and I’m still feeling the high. The week got off to a great start with opening worship on Monday night. Seminary student, Chris Johnson, shared a hopeful message reminding us that we are transformed by Christ and although we will be tested in our ministries we will ultimately be triumphant for the cause of Jesus. Chris eloquently wove examples from the life of Dr. Martin Luther King into the message highlighting him as someone who understood his call and chose not to fear the threats of this world. The D.u.R.a.G. (Divine Unity Righteously Applying God) ministry team led a passionate and meaningful time of worship. Chris is one of the founding members of this local ministry, which reaches out to college students on several campuses.

Tuesday and Wednesday started off with morning worship. I had the joy of participating in a worship band consisting of seminary students and one EMU staff person. It was a privilege to play with such talented musicians and incorporate a variety of different styles of worship. After each worship session, Dr. Greg Boyd shared on his topic “Centered in Christ in a Right and Left World”. Not only was Greg an energetic and passionate speaker, but his message was always grounded in biblical truths. His focus on Jesus’ example to us through his life and teachings reminded me once again why I serve God, a God whose life was totally sacrificial and loving instead of heavy handed, a God who came to show this world another way…THE way.

On Thursday morning we gathered for one last worship time together. Jennifer Davis Sensenig, pastor of Community Mennonite in Harrisonburg, delivered a beautiful message on rereading the Psalms with Jesus in the
center. Sara Wenger Shenk, Interim Dean of EMS, led us in communion. Sharing in communion was the perfect way to end our week together reminding us all that Jesus is the center of who we are and all we do in this left and right world.

Return to student journal homepage